Overview
Resource tables @ 5PM
Special D9 stroll performance @ 5:30PM
Panel conversation @ 6PM
The upcoming midterm elections are crucial in determining which party controls Congress, and Gen-Z voters (ages 18 – 29) could have an outsized impact IRL (in real life) on the results.
Hear from a panel of young leaders about their political participation, the hot button issues driving some to the polls — and the barriers keeping others away. What is at stake this November, in New Jersey and across the country?
The Newark NAACP and the Divine Nine (D9) — the nine African American fraternities and sororities of the National Pan-Hellenic Council — are curating this first Standing in Solidarity program of the new season. Participants represent the D9 and their ongoing commitment to community progress.
Following the panel conversation, attendees will participate in facilitated small group discussions. Jaiden David, Senior at Rider University, President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Vice President of the Gamma Nu Gamma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., will be a facilitator.
In partnership with Dodge Poetry, the program will open with Brian Acosta Arya. Also known as Brian The Motel Guy, Acosta Arya is a New Jersey–bred artist, content creator and motel manager whose storytelling has attracted over 1 million followers. He is also a host of the Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe.
Make your voice heard! Information on voter registration and polling sites, plus other resources, will be available from partner organizations starting at 5PM.
Our conversation will be moderated by A’Dorian Murray-Thomas, Vice President of the Essex County Board of County Commissioners and Founder and CEO of SHE Wins, Inc.
A closing statement will be delivered by Kaylah Giles, Member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and 1st Anti-Basileus (1st Vice President) of the Tau Gamma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. at Kean University.
Our panelists include:
Ifemide Adebiyi, Student Government Leader at Widener University and initiate of the Upsilon Pi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Wilbert “Wil” Davis, Attorney at a Global Law Firm and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Anthony Gray, Federal Consultant and member of Mu Gamma Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Ever Mack, Digital Research Analyst at ISD US and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Beta Alpha Omega Chapter
Jaylen Smith, New Jersey Collegiate Representative of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.